FEBRUARY 8, 2005

Sex And The ‘Sity Spotlight on Potties

Kimberley Johnston Reporter

Since there seems to be a some emphasis on indoor outhouses as of late, I thought I might bring in a feminine perspective on this bathroom band wagon. This is of course done in the spirit of full disclosure and not inequality (i.e. They’re always talking about guy’s bathrooms in The Cadre ....girls go to ya know).

Nope, this article is mainly being written for amusement purposes just so I can join the “Ain’t No Potty Like A UPEI Potty” party. This article may also be an homage to one of my favorite porcelain palaces on the UPEI campus.

What set this inconspicuous little bathroom apart from all the others was probably a blend of its location, the amenities provided within and the priceless graffiti that was written on the wall of the back stall. I enjoyed this colorful commentary so much I copied it down in one of my notebooks in the hopes of doing a story when it was deemed appropriate. I guess I was bet to the potty punch by my colleagues Steele Campbell and Ryan Gallant. So now it’s my turn.

My “chamber room of choice” is nestled in possibly the best location on campus; just past some vending machines, past the Cash stop and right before the computer lab in one of the breezeways of the Robertson Library. This bathroom gives patrons the opportunity to purchase feminine products if desired and even has a chalkboard if anyone is ever up for a game of Win, Lose, or Draw after hand washing- or even before. Lineups can happen and it might as well be an enjoyable wait. I’ve been to bars where

girls have had to wait to use the facilities, and it was never a pretty sight. I daresay men wouldn’t be attracted to us anymore if they had to witness spectacles like that. But I digress.

The piéce du resistance, however, lay in the back stall of that back bathroom right before the computer lab. In that stall, (before it was painted over) you could find some of the most articulate philosophical discussion complimented by commentary that might make a sailor blush. There was even helpful advice as to which toilet paper roll was easiest to operate and kind thanks for sharing the learned wiper’s wisdom.

Collaborative philosophical conversations ranged from love to God on the right wall whereas the more low- brow sayings stuck to themselves on the left. A few examples of the pearls of wisdom include: “Hooray for bathroom walls: the sanctions of free speech.” “Love doesn’t make the world go around ...but it makes the ride worthwhile.” “Love doesn’t exist. There is no truth in love: only lies.” “Love is a delusion that people create to make life worth living. Is this a bad thing?” My favorite though, written in graphite was “Who brings a pencil into the bathroom anyway?”

Such philosophical rants would make any girl want to skip to the loo to see what they could find next.

I’d like to be clear though: I do not support vandalism; I just figure if it’s there we should enjoy it.

Until next time, keep your clothes on and your nose clean... or not.

THE CADRE ¢ 14

Island 2 Island: A Newfie’s Perspective....On

Julie Bull Reporter

Ina world overrun with disease and bacteria, it seems a little difficult to avoid the inevitable - there are germs everywhere and no precaution can entirely protect us. There are times however, when the level of cleanliness in an area is absolutely disturbing.

It has been brought to my attention by several students that there are real concerns about the level of cleanliness at the University. At first I took it with a grain of salt, after all... where I come from the 3 second rule is more like the 3 minute rule. I do have to say though, that for the amount of people I see cleaning this university, there are some buildings and some rooms in particular, that could really use a little more TLC.

Right now I am sitting at home, listening to music and typing on my own computer; I have not always been so lucky and was forced to spend hours at a time in one of the many “not-so- clean” computer labs on campus. Many other students still face this unpleasant reality. Having to use a computer is inevitable at university, but the environment in which they exist on our campus is less than ideal.

It seems as though there are some rooms that are simply ignored by those who are supposed to clean them, while there are other rooms where you could eat off 'the floor. Generally,

Cleanliness!

though, this is not the case. Christine Smith,a4 year psychology student voiced her concern, saying, “I am concerned about catching the plague in the computer labs at the library. In general, the level of cleanliness in the classrooms and public areas is so low that it is virtually nonexistent which makes me afraid to ask how often the bathrooms are sanitized. This university has no respect for it’s students or is reputation evidenced by the fact that we are allowed to work in squalor. When I am here at the school I make a concerted effort never to touch my mouth or face and I suggest that any student do the same.”

Many other people have voiced similar concerns, and have also suggested that enough money is being spent by the students and that money should be used in part to keep the university environment a clean one.

No disrespect is meant to all those who do work incredibly hard to keep their respective buildings clean; the issue here is not with individuals on the cleaning staff. I just wanted to bring this to the table and see if there are any others who have the same or similar concerns with the level of cleanliness at UPEL

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toupeicadre@gmail.com.